Consequences of Common Core

Regarding letter writer Tony DiStefano's perceptive comments about the Common Core curriculum, I would add that the obvious cracks in this structure should make parents worried about the education leadership that thought this was a good idea to inflict on families and communities ("Common Core isn't ready for prime time," Oct. 1).

Children should never have to ride a plane that is being built as it flies. An engineer or airline who tried such a stunt would be jailed for child abuse.

The consequences for the children who are thrust into a shaky curriculum at the hands of flustered, untrained teachers are likely to last a lifetime. Shouldn't those who chose to put children and teachers in such a lousy situation also face stern consequences?

Joy Pullmann, Chicago, Ill.

The writer is an education research fellow at the Heartland Institute.

After reading Liz Bowie's piece on Dec. 26 ("Md. schools move toward testing via computers"), it appears Maryland is now a prime example of how the runaway costs of assessments are spiraling out of control. In yet another illustration of the "build the plane as we fly it" insanity, school...

State officials deeply vested in new Common Core curriculum mandates and tests want us to believe that marked student declines on state tests since Common Core moved into place aren't Common Core's fault ("MSA warning signs," July 14). Even though Common Core is supposed to be more difficult...

I think the new curriculum is not good at all ("MSA warning signs," July 15). As a country, we focus more on test and test scores than we actually do on teaching these kids. The old ways of doing things were better and way more effective.

Thank you for an intelligent explanation of the theories behind the Common Core standards ("In defense of Common Core," June 27). You detailed the purpose behind the English and math standards with examples that should make sense to most people. Rather than move students through grades with a...

The "new higher standards" that The Sun's editorial board has just discovered as it defends the Common Core are of great interest to those who were responsible for the learning program of students for the past 50 years ("In defense of Common Core," June 27). It is also an incredible insult to...

As a long-time educator, I recognize the need for the Common Core State standards and strongly support them. However, as the standards have been rolled out in the public schools, some major concerns have been raised ("In defense of Common Core," June 27).